Amit Jhaveri plans to focus on research aimed at preventing chronic cardiac disease during his yearlong fellowship at the Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation.

UB Student Among Prestigious Group of 2017-2018 Sarnoff Fellows

Published
April 28, 2017

Third-year medical
student Amit Jhaveri has been selected as a 2017–2018 Sarnoff
fellow to partake in a yearlong program of intensive
cardiovascular medicine research.

“I am particularly interested in understanding the underlying mechanisms of debilitating heart and vascular conditions, such as aortic stenosis and atherosclerosis, and elucidating ways we might be able to inhibit them.”

One of Only 11 Recipients Nationwide

He was selected for his intellectual and academic achievements
as well as his leadership abilities, and he will receive a $32,000
stipend for a mentored research experience with preeminent
cardiovascular scientists of his choosing.

The Massena, New York, native earned dual undergraduate degrees
in biology and religion from the University of Rochester in
2013.

“My interests are varied, however, I hope to be involved
in a project that is aimed at preventing chronic cardiac
disease,” he says. “I am particularly interested in
understanding the underlying mechanisms of debilitating heart and
vascular conditions, such as aortic stenosis and atherosclerosis,
and elucidating ways we might be able to inhibit them.”

Research Involves Treatment of Aortic Stenosis

During the summer between his first and second year of medical
school, Jhaveri conducted research on the use of balloon aortic
valvuloplasty in older adults at the NYU Langone Medical Center
with John Dodson, MD, in the Department of Medicine.

Seeking Skills to Conduct Research Autonomously

Sarnoff fellows are provided with an allowance for travel
expenses related to finding a preceptor and laboratory — a
process that Jhaveri is currently undertaking.

“A unique aspect of the Sarnoff program is that it offers
me the opportunity to visit labs of interest in order to find a
preceptor that fits my interests,” he notes.

“I hope to be able to find and work with a mentor who is
interested in investing in me and guiding me through the research
process while helping me gain the skills needed to conduct research
autonomously in the future,” Jhaveri says.

Emphasis on Lifelong Mentorship Key Attribute

After completing their year of research, fellows have
opportunities to remain involved in the Sarnoff community.

They are encouraged to participate in annual scientific meetings
and other Sarnoff-sponsored gatherings, where they can receive
career development advice from Sarnoff alumni and reconnect with
colleagues.

“What I find most appealing is the fact that the Sarnoff
fellowship places a great amount of emphasis on mentorship, not
solely for one year, but throughout your career,” Jhaveri
says.

“I don't think this mentorship can be overstated. Almost
immediately it feels as though you are part of a tight-knit
community that is dedicated to advancing the field of cardiology
and medicine in general,” he adds.

UB’s Leadership, Faculty, Former Fellows Aid Process

“Dean Cain first introduced me to the Sarnoff Fellowship,
and he was very encouraging and receptive from the start,” he
says. “He guided me throughout the process and continues to
do so. He sat down with me personally a few times to discuss my
application and where it needed improvement.”

Jhaveri also names faculty members Page and Michael
J. Morales, PhD, research assistant professor of physiology and
biophysics, and former UB Sarnoff fellows Caressa Chen, Tim
Thayer and Vinny Polsinelli, as being of great help to him
throughout the application process.

Jhaveri and the other 2017–18 fellows were introduced at
the Sarnoff Foundation’s 37th Annual Scientific Meeting
April 27–29 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.